22 Minor Upanishads

Upanishad means sitting near. They constitute the
end part of the Vedas. Hence they are also known as Vedanta, the
end of the Vedas. There are over 200 Upanishads associated with
the four Vedas, composed during different times over a period of
about 4000 years. Of them 12 are considered Principal Upanishads
and 108 important ones. Of the 12 Chandogya and Brihadaranyaka account
for over 60% of the total verses. The Upanishads deal with various
aspects of ritual and spiritual philosophy of Hinduism. Their approach
is mostly philosophical with occasional reference to the symbolism
hidden in the Vedic rituals. They also speak about the significance
of several divinities, such as Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Indra, Rama
and Krishna. It is not sure how the name minor Upanishad came into
existence or what criteria has been used to classify them. The term
denotes Upanishads of later origin. They are relatively less significant
since they restate important doctrines and concepts which have already
been discussed elsewhere. Most of them are also sectarian in their
approach, emphasizing the doctrines of either Shaivism or Vaishnavism
or Shaktim. Still they are important for our study and understanding
of the Vedic philosophy in particular and Hinduism in general. The
following are 22 Minor Upanishads translated by P.R.Ramachander
with introduction by Jayaram V.

About: Hinduwebsite.com provides original
and scholarly information about Hinduism and related religions, society and
culture. We promote tolerance and the highest ideals reflected in these cultures.
We have been serving the world community since 1999.
More...